National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegations made against him by the chairman of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi.
recalls that Aziegbemi had in a statement on Saturday, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election.
The statement alleged that the FG was using Ribadu and the Department of State Service, DSS, to rig the gubernatorial election.
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.S Dollars to the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.
In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
The letter sighted by NAN said: “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered’.
The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, ‘$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies’”.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputation and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added.